Cleveland's Top 100 restaurants: The complete 2015 A-List (photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Each year, weeks of consideration and long hours of work go into producing what many of us at Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer consider our biggest annual project: The A-List Dining Guide.

Every year, we double-check every detail, second-guess every contender and try to put together a rock-solid guide to Northeast Ohio's top restaurants. But as lead editor for the project, I'll admit a nagging suspicion. Something has been overlooked. There should have been something different. Something... more.

So when you pore over the expansive list of what we call "Cleveland's Top 100 restaurants" you might think, "How could they forget __?!" Rest assured, it's highly likely that one of us has thought the same thing.

"It's all opinion," I often hear. Yes, it's a matter of opinion. At the risk of taking a defensive position, I think it's fair to add that writing critically about restaurants - and food in general also - calls informed opinion. This is my 40th year reporting and writing on the subject. Others engaged in covering the topic have their own years, even decades, of experience.

That perspective, and the varied voices that offer it, is intended to shine a spotlight on some of the very best dining opportunities Northeast Ohio has to offer. And to help guide Cleveland area restaurant goers enjoy the experience of going out.

Chez Francois, 555 Main St., Vermilion, 440-967-0630, chezfrancois.com: True four-star dining experiences and exacting French preparations are a rare thing in Northeast Ohio. That makes the trek to Vermilion and an evening at Chez Francois all the more vivid and romantic an adventure. $$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Traditional French. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Dante, 2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. 216-274-1200, restaurantdante.us: Trained in New York and Europe, chef Dante Boccuzzi has established an eating boutique aimed at every whim: a little something to temper a cocktail, rich things for small appetites, and full-blown meals. A chef's chef, he seduces meat into peak succulence, and not letting any ingredient make a fool of itself. The former bank building can get noisy on a busy night, but still feels grand. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Fahrenheit, 2417 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-781-8858, chefroccowhelan.com: Fahrenheit in Tremont is often mentioned near the top of any list of the city's best, and for good reason. If there is a common thread among chef-owner Rocco Whelan's eclectic dishes, it's the kitchen's ability to highlight a wide range of flavors, both bold and subtle, that beautifully complement the main ingredients. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Fire Food & Drink,13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-921-3473, firefoodanddrink.com: Free of gimmicks and trend chasing, Douglas Katz's industrial-chic, minimalist spot has made a national name for itself with a deep menu. $$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: New American. $$$. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

Flying Fig, 2523 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-4243, theflyingfig.com: When you have one of the best chefs in town at the helm and a longstanding commitment to locally grown fare, it's hard not to have a good meal. Chef Karen Small is as devoted to artful preparations of fresh, sustainable ingredients as she is operating a place that resonates "good times." In a word, dining at Flying Fig can be exhilarating. $$-$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Modern American. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Greenhouse Tavern, 2038 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-443-0511, thegreenhousetavern.com: Open the recycled-paper menu and virgin territory pops out. With many locally sourced ingredients, chef and co-owner Jonathon Sawyer, a James Beard winner, puts out the chicken wings of your life, clams steamed in lush foie gras broth and a half of a roasted pig's head. Don't be shy; the place is just as swashbuckling with vegetables and desserts. A genuine Neo-Cleveland place that has us coming back for more. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Johnny's Bar, 3164 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-281-0055, johnnyscleveland.com: Head to the original restaurant on Fulton Road for upscale Italian, seafood and pasta. Johnny's has not slipped a bit. The menu is still dotted with many of the favorites from 20 years ago, dishes like grilled long-bone veal chop, cold-smoked filet mignon, and a variety of pastas and seafood specialties. $$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Italian. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Lola Bistro, 2058 East Fourth St., Cleveland; 216-621-5652, lolabistro.com: Critics, including readers of the Zagat Survey, bestow a grade of "extraordinary to perfection" to Chef Michael Symon's artsy eatery. Lola is still a master of flesh, whether fish, poultry, or red or white meat - and the same holds true for its voluptuous veggies. $$$-$$$$, major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com; Updated by Joe Crea)

Moxie the Restaurant, 3355 Richmond Road, Beachwood; 216-831-5599, moxietherestaurant.com: Exacting preparations and attentive service are hallmarks of this Beachwood bastion. The fare is made with precision, yet maintains a kind of casual, home-cooked deliciousness. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com; Updated by Joe Crea)

Parallax, 2179 West 11th St. (Tremont) Cleveland; 216-583-9999, parallaxtremont.com: Imaginative contrasts are part of chef Zack Bruell's craft. Parallax is a showcase for precise executions of diverse dishes, reflecting gastronomic influences of Asian cookery. Wonderful sushi to be had here, too. $$$, All major cards. Asian-, Global-inspired Contemporary American. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com; Updated by Joe Crea)

Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave. at Winton Place, Lakewood; 216-228-2250, selectrestaurants.com/pier:. From its lovely vantage on the cliffs above Lake Erie to its artful handling of seafood and meat dishes, a destination for special occasions, big dates, or just a fine meal anytime. $$$. Cuisine: Seafood, contemporary American. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Red the Steakhouse, 3355 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-831-2252, redthesteakhouse.com: The original Red remains a trove of pleasures. With its handsome stone and burnished burgundy walls, and the inviting gleam of its chic wine room, this austere "cave a boeuf" whets the appetite as it draws you in. Don't hesitate to succumb; the food here is especially delicious. ALSO RED CLEVELAND, 417 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-0941: Apart from decor, which mimics its suburban cousin, Red's downtown incarnation is every inch its equal - superb steaks and seafood, sides, appetizers and desserts. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Steakhouse, seafood, contemporary American. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Sokolowski's University Inn, 1201 University Road (Tremont), Cleveland, 216-771-9236, sokolowskis.com: Like our city, Sokolowski's is unassuming but proud, a high-quality and hearty mix of Old World and New. Food is ordered from a cafeteria-style line and it's still packed for lunch and Friday and Saturday dinners. It's a family-friendly restaurant for all ages - drawn to the home-made pierogi, soups, chops, fish fries, stuffed cabbage and much more. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

THE A-LIST

Adega, 2017 East Ninth St. (in The Metropolitan at the 9), Cleveland; 216-331-6302; metropolitancleveland.com/restaurant. Seafood and superb pork (especially rarely seen Iberico and Serrano ham) are highlights at this Spanish-influenced contemporary Mediterranean restaurant. With all the imaginative approaches to traditional fare on this well-conceived menu, any gastronomically curious diner will find too many tempting choices - so gather a party and share. Intelligent wine service. $$$-$$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish, Seafood. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Bac Asian American Bistro and Bar, 2661 West 14th St. (Tremont), Cleveland, 216-938-8960, bactremont.com: Lovely pan-Asian flavors served in a languid retro-hip-post-Colonial restaurant. Some of the dishes are on the mild side, but if you like it hot, they can make them blazing.$$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Asian fusion. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Bar Cento, 1948 West 25th St. (Ohio City), Cleveland, 216-274-1010, barcento.com: The haute urban/rustic boite, a comfortable mix of neo-Tuscan country and rehabbed Cleveland, serves a sweet menu of affordable, affable and imaginative food, including crackling thin pizzas topped with duck confit and sour cherries or arugula and truffle cream and some of the very best pommes frites (tossed with slivers of caramelized garlic and rosemary) in town. While waiting for your fries, you can pore over the 100 plus list of wines and almost as many beers. $$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: American bistro. (Beth Segal, special to cleveland.com)

The Black Pig, 2801 Bridge St., Cleveland (Ohio City); 216-862-7551 theblackpigcleveland.com: Almost hog heaven, and now in a new location. The move to Bridge Ave. has inspired chef/owner Michael Nowak to up his game, there's a new finesse to his carnivorous cuisine, creative cocktails and inspired desserts. Amidst all this porcine elegance, there's still room for the Pig's lower-brow but highly praised hamburgers and banh mi sandwiches.$$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Seasonal, Euro-inspired with international flavors. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Blue Point Grille, 700 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland (Warehouse District); 216-875-7827, bluepointgrille.com: It might not be the latest-hottest-gotta-be-there address in town. But more than a decade after opening, the Blue Point remains one of the city's best restaurants. One of the first places to establish the Warehouse District as a food-and-drink destination, this lovely, airy seafood restaurant with bar is still more than worth the drive. Zagat named the landmark, "Cleveland's Most Popular Restaurant." $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Seafood, American. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

Bruno's Ristorante, 2644 West 41st St. (one-way north between I-90 and Clark Avenue), Cleveland, 216-961-7087, brunosristorante.net: Bruno DiSiena left the Cleveland Browns as executive chef when it looked like they were leaving town. Our advantage. This is Cleveland's red-sauce capital, especially with pasta and eggplant. The room is charming in a homestyle way, but tiny. Expect eavesdropping to be part of the deal. Reservations a must near the weekend. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Italian-American (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Butcher and the Brewer, 2043 East Fourth St. 216-331-0805; butcherandthebrewer.com This is a playful, interactive space with communal tables, where your "table neighbors" admire your plate, so they go ahead and order one, too. You like the look of their food, so you ask your newly minted comrades about the textures and flavors. But Butcher is a feast for all of your the senses, with a casual, boisterous vibe and sleek, post-mod "old-meets-new" atmosphere. $$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: American gastropub/brasserie. (Peter Chakerian, special to cleveland.com)

Cabin Club, 30651 Detroit Rd., Westlake, 440-899-7111, thecabinclub.com: Great steaks, seafood and clubhouse vibe in Westlake. The Cabin Club, a consistent Hospitality Restaurants spot, is a popular draw in this West Side suburb. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American, Steakhouse. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Cantine, 1100 W. Royalton Road, Broadview Heights, 440-877-9399, cantinebottleshop.com: With its chic-industrial look, Brit-pop soundtrack, sophisticated small plates and wide-ranging wine and beer list, restaurateurs have finally realized the potential of this upper-middle-class suburb. Cantine shares a kitchen and owner with D'Agnese's next door. The casual menu is made up of snacks and small plates, with accents that range from Italian to Mexican to new American. $-$$. Cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Modern American. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

Chinato, 2079 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-298-9080, chinatocleveland.com: Dreaming of Florence, Italy? Step into Chinato on trendy East Fourth ("Eat") Street in Cleveland, where a panoramic wall mural of the Tuscan city provides the passport. So does the food. Restaurateur Zack Bruell brings attention to authentic flavors here; don't miss the Chicken Legs Saltimbocca. Look for special hours during Cleveland Cavaliers games. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Contemporary Italian.(Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Choolaah Indian BBQ,27100 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. 1-800-459-8860; choolaah.com (JC) Anyone who has puzzled over the seemingly endless and unfamiliar options on an Indian restaurant menu will bless co-creators Randhir Sethi, James Nesbitt and Raji Sankar for re-imagining the cuisine in a stripped-down, "introductory" version. Here you choose your ingredients to create the meal (chicken, lamb meatballs, veggie croquettes, salmon, or paneer cheese -- a firm Indian cream cheese) you want. $-$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Indian. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Chowder House Cafe, 2028 Chestnut Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7102, chowderhousecafe.com: With its whimsical pipedream decor and genial service, the Chowder House Cafe's casual bistro setting belies lusty preparations of mostly local fare. Well-prepared seafood is the star, but other options abound. If your style is earthy and laid-back, the food and the experience will make you want to linger. $$-$$$, cash or checks only. Cuisine: Seafood, American fusion, casual. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Cibreo Italian Kitchen, 1438 Euclid Ave. (Playhouse Square), Cleveland, 216-862-9212, cibreocleveland.com: Rich pastas, buttery cheeses, crisp pan-fried fish and tender braised meats in a Tuscan countryside setting- just across from Playhouse Square. Convenient, though a little chaotic, for before theater dining, a quiet respite if you choose to eat while everyone else is at the show. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Italian. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Cowell & Hubbard, 1305 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-479-0555, cowellhubbard.com: The glittering outdoor chandelier of Playhouse Square shines down upon this well-tailored pre- and post-theater spot. Zack Bruell, the region's most painterly chef when it comes to flavors, satisfies with common and uncommon cuts of meat, precision cooking and a swanky setting. This is, after all, a former glam jewelry store. Check out the historic photos on the web site. $$$; all major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

DC Pasta Company, 12214 Pearl Road, Strongsville; 440-238-8500, danteboccuzzi.com: An array of pastas and toppings, plus appetizers, meatballs and sides - not to mention various portion sizes - beckon you to try lots of dishes. Gather friends and pass the plates. The combined and skillful team of Dante Boccuzzi (Dante, Ginko, DBA) and Carmella DelBusso (Oggi and the former Portofino) - are the "D" and "C" in the name. $$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Italian. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar, 14810 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; 216-767-5775, deagans.com: It seems you can't walk a block without walking into a gastropub these days -- but Deagan's in Lakewood remains one of the best. It's a true neighborhood watering hole -- with an extensive import and craft beer list and cool vintage cocktail menu, and a kitchen that turns out food worthy of any fine dining establishment. $$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

District, 1350 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; 216-858-1000, districtcleveland.com: In a world-class theatre borough, District is a marquee star disguised as a character actor: unassuming, manifold enough to appeal to the foodie throng -- but without alienating the blue-collar lunch pail crowd. That matters. $$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: American bistro-brasserie informed by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and French cuisine.(Peter Chakerian, Special to cleveland.com)

Downtown 140 Wine, Bar 140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940, downtown140.com: The bar is still high at this clubby hideaway in historic downtown Hudson. It can get loud on busy nights, but the focus remains on the plate where skills are strong, and the room is built for swank. Don't miss the handmade pasta or a good steak. When management brings in music, the total package can sweep you off your feet. $$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Fat Cats, 2061 West 10th St., (Tremont),Cleveland, 216-579-0200, coolplacestoeat.com: Fat Cats' best visual may be downtown Cleveland's urban splendor as seen from its big bay windows -- but the food looks mighty good, too. Owner Ricardo Sandoval's restaurant has been around for a long time, and through the years it's evolved into a sort of Modern American Melting Pot. But if the menu pulls from Asian, European and North and South American culinary influences, most of the food is locally sourced, some from as close as the herb garden and vegetable plot behind the restaurant.$$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: International eclectic. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Flour, 34205 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills; 216-464-3700, flourrestaurant.com: Flour's menu, design and location strike me, respectively, as polished, sophisticated and urbane. You can enjoy Flour for what it succeeds at being: a starkly modern eatery (zinc-topped tables, cement floor, gray walls) emphasizing a variety of flavors and textures. The guns are certainly in place to achieve it. The back of the house is helmed by executive chef Matt Mytro and chef-owner Paul Minnillo. $$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Modern Italian. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com, updated by Peter Chakerian)

Georgetown, 18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-3500, georgetownrestaurant.net: Imaginative appetizers and well-prepared entrees, from a menu that has seen little change in recent years, plus welcoming service add up to an entertaining evening. at Georgetown in Lakewood. $$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Ginko, 2247 Professor Ave. Cleveland (Tremont); 216-274-1202,danteboccuzzi.com: This modern and colorful eatery features the talented Taishi Noma, a tall, bespectacled chef with the bearing of a Zen master. To be sure, his fish and rice are worthy of contemplation. $$$-$$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Japanese. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com)

Grove Hill, 25 Pleasant Drive, Chagrin Falls. 440-247-4800; grovehillchagrin.com Tim Bando- who, over the years both in Cleveland in New York City, has established himself as a chef with four-star chops - finally has a place of his own here. The restaurant itself seems a bit plain and restrained, but the menu is filled with celebratory food. It's gala bistro with the Bando touch.$$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: American bistro with Mediterranean accents.(Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, 123 W. Prospect Ave., Cleveland, 216-344-2444, hydeparkrestaurants.com: This elegant downtown eatery is an exemplar of one of America's great, indigenous restaurant genres and cuisines - the classic, formal steakhouse. Both the atmosphere and service make you feel important immediately, from the red tufted upholstery to the starched tablecloths and apron-clad wait staff. $$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Steakhouse, seafood. (Eric Susyne, Special to The Plain Dealer)

Johnny's Downtown, 1406 West Sixth St. (Warehouse District), Cleveland, 216-623-0055, johnnyscleveland.com: This offspring of the legendary Johnny's Bar on Fulton Road, lives up to the tradition of gilding the plate with rich flavors and textures. It's always been a haven for politicians and lawyers, and knows how to finesse the service. Mussels Provencal are top of the line; so is the filet and crab gratin dinner entree. $$$$. Major cards accepted. Cuisine: Italian, Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

La Campagna, 27337 Detroit Road (just west of Dover Center Road), Westlake; 440-871-1771, lacampagnaonline.net: Rarely have I found Italian food as lusty and nuanced. Rather than leaning heavily on the garlic-and-oregano crutch, chef-owner Carmella Fragassi coaxes all sorts of flavor from a broad battery of ingredients. Here, the menu changes more-or-less daily. Though you're likely to find a handful of offerings carrying over from day to day, Fragassi hews to the old world tradition of embracing both the season and... well, whatever looks good in the market. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Italian. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, 6805 Detroit Ave., Cleveland; 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com: Credit for Gordon Square Arts District's revival is due in part to Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, which opened in 2008 and boasts a variety of tasty offerings, a good-natured staff and re-purposed decor. Paint-splattered drop-cloths serve as curtains; chairs from a school cafeteria surround tables. A popular Happy Hour features discounted drinks and food. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com; updated by Peter Chakerian)

Molinari's, 8900 Mentor Ave. (U.S. 20, east of Ohio 615), Mentor, 44060. 440-974-2750, molinaris.com: Fine dining is disappearing in a lot of places, but this American restaurant with Italian roots continues to go all out. There's the food, both adventurous and generous; the wine, a deal from the in-house wine store; and the service, which comes with a lot of knowledge. After about 20 years, it still looks contemporary, too. Don't be afraid to order anything here -- pastas, red meats, salads - or event a hunk of tiramisu. Molinari's is also open for lunch, unlike a lot of suburban places, and hosts wine dinners. $$-$$$. Cuisine: Italian and American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Morton's the Steakhouse, 1600 West Second St. (Tower City Center), Cleveland, 216-621-6200, mortons.com/cleveland: Although competition among high-end steakhouses in Northeast Ohio has soared since it first opened, Morton's Cleveland retains its bar-no-expense cachet. Superb steaks, impressive appetizers and shareable desserts pair perfectly with well-rehearsed service in a lively see-and-be-seen downtown setting. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Steakhouse, seafood. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Ninja City, 11311 Euclid Ave. (University Circle), Cleveland; 216-860-0510, ninjacity.com: Every once in a while, you're served a plate that is just too fetching and eye-catching to muss up with a spoon, fork or chopsticks. So it goes with the Bacon Egg Ramen at Ninja City--Bac Ngyuen's playful new dining endeavor in University Circle. The concept of the place is fascinating enough (think urban pop culture explosion and you're about halfway there) but the food gets those senses working overtime. Great a la carte menu that mimics the Happy Dog/Barrio approach. $$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Avant-garde Asian. (Peter Chakerian, Special to cleveland.com)

Noodlecat 234 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; 216-589-0007, noodlecat.com: Chef Jonathon Sawyer's Noodlecat is the restaurant downtown has always lacked: a funky, fun and imaginative eatery. The Japanese-leaning menu answers the call by offering a variety of ramen-noodle specials that might feature barbecued ribs one day and Buffalo chicken skin on another. $$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Japanese. (David Farkas, Special to cleveland.com)

Pacific East, 1763 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights. 216-320-2302, pacificeastcoventry.com: Where do you start at a restaurant with an 11-page Japanese menu, 10-page Malaysian menu, and one of the largest sushi and sake selections in the region? You just dive into the deep blue -- as suggested by the decor. This corner spot in Coventry's lively street scene is popular with Asian diners, always a big reason to follow. $$-$$$; all major credit cards. Cuisine: Japanese and Malaysian. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Players on Madison, Players on Madison: 14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-5200, playersonmadison.com: A comfy neighborhood pizzeria that also serves fine food. And that's just one reason Players restaurant has been so popular since the early 1990s. Though best known for its pizzas, pies are only a small part of the menu that ranges from coriander-crusted calamari to pesto grilled lamb chops. $$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: American, Italian. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

Pura Vida, 170 Euclid Ave. (Public Square), Cleveland, 216-987-0100, puravidabybrandt.com: Pura Vida chef Brandt Evans has joined Michael Symon, Jonathon Sawyer and Zack Bruell in adding to the important critical mass of culinary talent in the East Fourth Street neighborhood. It's a bit of class off Public Square with something for everyone, including vegans. $$-$$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Restaurant Europa, 30519 Pinetree Road, Pepper Pike. 216-591-1273; restauranteuropacleveland.com: Russian, Eastern European and French/Continental fare shares the menu at this chic and welcoming East Side classic that added a full sushi bar and new vodka bar this year. Trying a house-infused vodka in the Siberian ice room is a must. Recommended dishes include potato pancakes with smoked salmon, pickled eggplant salad and stuffed cabbage. $$-$$$. Cuisine: Eastern European. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer; David Farkas, Special to Cleveland.com)

Rincon Criollo, 6504 Detroit Road, Cleveland, 216-939-0992, facebook.com/pages/Rincon-Criollo-Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant remains one of the busiest spots in Gordon Square. Service is quick and friendly in the summery cafe decorated with colorful paintings and photos of local Latin bands. It's one of the few places that serves Puerto Rican mofongo, try the shrimp: plump, not overly garlic shrimp atop a molded plantain ball. They also have rave-worthy roasted chicken and plantains. $-$$. Cuisine: Puerto Rican. (Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer)

Rockefeller's, 3099 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-0477, rockefellerscleveland.com: Where else can you dine in a Medieval-mannered room seemingly sized for jousting? The cavernous ex-bank built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1930 has been somewhat cozied up, with a relaxed lounge area on one side and formal dining on the other. The seasonally changing, but always intriguing, menu is courtesy of veteran chef, Jill Vedaa. $$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Modern American (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Shuhei 23360 Chagrin Blvd.(Commerce Park), Beachwood; 216-464-1720, shuheirestaurant.com: Few Japanese restaurants in the region rival this landmark for classic raw fish art. Shuhei still packs 'em in, all day long, as it has for almost two decades in its tucked-away location in the back of an office building on Chagrin Boulevard. $$$-$$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

SoHo Kitchen & Bar 1889 West 25th St., Cleveland, 216-298-9090, sohocleveland.com: Down-home Southern cooking gets some modern twists in the booming West Side Market District at SoHo Kitchen and Bar. $$-$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Southern.$$-$$$, all major credit cards accepted. Cuisine: Southern. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Spice Kitchen & Bar, 5800 Detroit Ave. (Gordon Square), Cleveland, 216-961-9637, spicekitchenandbar.com: Chef/owner and chief locavore advocate Ben Bebenroth takes the best of what's in the garden right now and makes it even better. There's a lot to like on the menu, but try not to fall in love. What's on it today may not be there next week, or even tomorrow. $$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Seasonal contemporary American.(Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

The Standard, 779 East 185th St. (Collinwood), Cleveland. 216-531-9643, thestandardclevland.com: Outside, passers-by can check out what is arguably the best show on the block, an enormous picture window that looks into the busy kitchen from the street. Inside, the urban-chic environment features a big vintage bar, pressed tin ceilings, a few random crystal chandeliers, and some very fun food on many small plates and a few large ones as well.$$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Bistro comfort food.(Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Stino da Napoli, 19070 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-3944, stinodanapoli.com: Classic and creative pastas (generally excellent sauces; the smoky Vesuvio is memorable) and interesting veal, chicken and tilapia dishes (especially a version that combines a beautifully sauteed filet with three perfect shrimp) populate Stino's menu. A procession of specials are daily highlights. The chef's version of Veal Marsala should be the template for all others. $$-$$$, no credit cards, cash or check only. Cuisine: Italian. (Joe Crea, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

Superior Pho, 3030 Superior Ave. (rear entry off East 31st Street), Cleveland, 216-781-7462, superiorpho.com: A good pho -- a fragrant, clear soup that makes use of freshly prepared meat broth, noodles and meats in various stages of cooking, plus all kinds of aromatic herbs, crunchy bean sprouts and zesty sauces -- is a national dish of Vietnam. It's primo here, in many versions. Fried rice and chicken and cabbage salads. $-$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Vietnamese. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Taki's Greek Kitchen, 377 Lear Road, Avon Lake, 440-930-8888, takisgreekkitchen.com: Gyros are easy. There's great pita-wrapped lamb in almost every part of town. But upscale Greek food in Cleveland is about as rare as Jason's golden fleece. So you'll feel like a happy heroic argonaut at Taki's. The menu is replete with inspired updated Hellenic cuisine from the sea and the shore plus an intriguing Greek-centric wine list. $$-$$$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary Greek. (Beth Segal, Special to cleveland.com)

Tartine Bistro, 19110 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-0800, tartinebistro.com: Tartine is a little bit of brick-lined France in Rocky River with plenty of rich, casual food. Pizza, toasted French-bread sandwiches and main dishes keep this cafe humming with attention in this strolling corner of the city. Two thumbs up for a beet salad with honey vinaigrette, which convinced us that even the best sweet root vegetable benefits from a gift from the bees. $$. Major credit cards. Cuisine: French-American Bistro. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Thyme2 (Thyme Squared), 113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114, thymetherestaurant.com: Any restaurant that comes right out and calls itself "fine dining" in its marketing must be confident in its ability to deliver. No problem at Thyme2 in Medina. $$$-$$$$, all major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)

Toast 1365 West 65th St., Cleveland (Gordon Square); 216-862-8974, toastcleveland.com: Toast, in Cleveland's Gordon Square, takes 'fresh-and-local' to the next level. Chefs Joseph and Jennifer Horvath use local produce, products and local handcrafted foods to create what they call "revitalized farm fare"--including growing and raising their own. It makes for an outstanding, contemporary melange with said fresh ingredients tantamount to the experience. Fortuitous wine and craft cocktail list, starters and charcuterie, as well as "wallop"-packing desserts. Well worth a visit. $$-$$$. Major credit cards. Cuisine: Contemporary American.(David Farkas & Peter Chakerian, Special to cleveland.com)

Trentina, 1903 Ford Drive, Cleveland. 216-421-2900; restauranttrentina.com Here is a kitchen that looks deeply -- although not exclusively -- into terroir, that French term for the unique results a local chef can craft from the local landscape. Jonathon Sawyer, his wife Amelia, and his staff are on it, with influence from Northern Italy and Germany on the plate that pose flavors so different, so challenging, many of them create a sense of wonder and contemplation. $$-$$$$; all major credit cards. Cuisine: Inventive American. (Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer)

Zanzibar Soul Fusion, 13225 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-752-1035; zanzibarohio.com:The location might have changed, but Zanzibar Soul Fusion is still humming along with the same great soul and southern favorites. The restaurant has moved across Shaker Square to the much larger space formerly occupied by Sergio's Sarava. Classic dishes like catfish (breaded or blackened), chicken, shrimp and grits, greens and pork chops remain on the menu. Friendly, efficient servers and reasonable prices also made the move across Shaker Blvd. $$. All major credit cards. Cuisine: Soul, Southern. (Bob Migra, Special to cleveland.com)